Villa Mansa, Lujn de Cuyo, Mandoza
Villa Mansa boutique hotel and spa was our first stop in the beautiful region of Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. Famous for its wine, the Mendoza province in the Cuyo region is bordered by the spectacular Andes mountain range, and features some of the most famous vineyards and wineries in the world.
The four-year-old hotel has 12 rooms, each named after different grape varieties, which we thought was a nice touch.
Never too far away from a glass of wine, the hotel has also its own Malbec vineyards and is surrounded by wineries, although the vines can’t produce Malbec for another two years you can sample the many wine varieties stored in the wine cellar of the hotel.
The hotel’s owner Viviana, who is originally from the region, came back to Mendoza after running a hotel in Carilo to set up her Malbec vineyard and hotel.
One of things I noticed was that the hotel immediately feels like home from the moment you are greeted by Viviana’s three adorable dogs, Laila, Gala and Ulysses. Viviana and the rest of her staff are equally as friendly and welcoming, and do everything they can to make you feel at home in this quaint retreat.
The hotel doesn’t feel like a stuffy resort, more like a peaceful rural house. The perfect place to relax for a few days, or even a week.
Our Room
Our room, the Pinot Noir room, overlooked the pool from the front and had beautiful views of the vineyards and green fields from the balcony at the back. We should all be thankful to this type of hotel, which enlists the room types they offer on their website probably with the help of a room booking management system and similar software, so that the interested guests or travel enthusiasts like us can have a prior look into what we are getting before finalizing the place for the stay.
The room had a boutique-like feel, with stylish and elegant furnishings, but with plenty of space.
There was enough room to have a table and chairs on the balcony, which was great for a relaxing evening together enjoying a bottle of red while overlooking the stunning landscape.
We came during October and unfortunately it was too cold to spend our time by the pool, but we really enjoyed the spa, and explored the gardens, which are worth a wander.
I was impressed to learn that the hotel has plans to insulate the hotel using only solar panels in the future.
Things to do
There are so many activities you could do in and around the hotel and in this beautiful countryside. For the adventurous there were options to try paragliding, trekking, rappelling, rafting, canopy, horseback riding, wine tours, and biking.
One of the best things we did was to go to the Termas de Cacheuta, a Thermal Water Park that is surrounded by the Andes and is next to the Mendoza River, could there be a more beautiful place?
The stone pools and infinity pools are all different temperatures and all have different medicinal and spiritual benefits.
There are also plenty of bars and restaurants around the park for when your hands get a bit too wrinkly, although it was very difficult to leave the hot pools.
The Restaurant
While it was possible to head out for meals in the local area or in different restaurant-wineries, I would recommend trying at least one evening meal in the hotel restaurant.
Led by chef Gonzalo Castro, the food is delicious, creative and totally authentic.
Breakfast is a buffet, my favorite kind of breakfast, and included local fruit jams made by the owner.
The Spa
The hotel has some new spa facilities, which were a nice touch to our stay, especially after a day of cycling through the countryside. Every guest is entitled to half-an-hour of spa use a day, which includes a sauna, a Scottish shower, and the highlight: 2 hydro massage bathtubs that have a mountain view. Absolute bliss.
All in all, Villa Mansa felt like a five-star hotel without the extortionate prices or heirs and graces. Like you are in an exclusive haven of wine and relaxation, with a warmth you won’t find in a swish and more expensive hotel. The hotel would be a great choice for honeymooners, or couples looking for a feel-good getaway with great food, a friendly atmosphere and plenty of wine.
